Research and Data Specialist - Flagship Reports
Organizational Context
UN Women's Policy, Programme and Intergovernmental Division (PPID) provides global support for gender equality and women's empowerment. The Research and Data (R&D) Section leads UN Women's research agenda, producing flagship publications and positioning the organization as a knowledge broker. This role is based in Nairobi and supports the R&D Section's strategic objectives.
Job Purpose
The Research and Data Specialist will lead research, data, and policy analysis for UN Women's flagship reports, contributing to the organization's thought leadership on gender equality. This involves substantively leading research for key publications like the World Survey on the Role of Women in Development and Progress of the World’s Women. The role also supports the development and implementation of UN Women's research and data strategy, influencing normative processes and strengthening intergovernmental support. By fostering strategic partnerships and contributing to organizational effectiveness, the specialist enhances UN Women's credibility and substantive leadership in gender equality.
Responsibilities
Lead research, data, and policy analysis for UN Women's flagship reports, including the World Survey on the Role of Women in Development and Progress of the World’s Women, ensuring editorial leadership and content development. Manage the UN Women peer-reviewed policy brief series. Stay abreast of emerging development issues to enhance analytical capacity and commission research on cross-cutting themes. Support the development and implementation of the research and data strategy, particularly for inter-governmental bodies and Beijing review reports. Develop and maintain strategic research partnerships with UN agencies, research institutes, and other stakeholders. Contribute to organizational effectiveness through translating research into programmatic advice, leading outreach for research outputs, and supporting resource mobilization. Supervise staff and consultants.
Work Experience
Requires at least 7 years of progressive experience in research and analysis within a development policy or research context, focusing on gender equality. Experience in research, peer-reviewed publications, and writing on gender and development issues is essential. Proven experience in coordinating cross-country comparative research projects and leading/managing personnel in international settings is required. Familiarity with computer software, database packages, and web-based management systems is necessary. Experience with Oracle Cloud is desirable.
Skills
Advanced analytical skills, research and analysis, qualitative and quantitative research methods, gender statistics and indicators, partnership development, excellent written and oral communication, strategic planning, goal-setting, and prioritization.